What are the signs your belt in your ATV is going bad or damaged? It’s not always obvious to new riders, and that is where I want to come in and help. Below, I’ve gathered the many reasons a one will show it’s bad or completely broken.
- Slipping or Squealing: When you accelerate, you might hear a squealing noise coming from the CVT cover or taking a bit to take-off.
- Decreased Acceleration: If the machine isn’t accelerating as quickly as it used to or if it feels sluggish, this could be due to a worn-out belt.
- Excessive Heat: If it’s getting too hot, it can become damaged and lose its flexibility. This is noticed as a burning rubber smell, or you might notice that the CVT cover is unusually hot to the touch. This can also burn a spot on it, causing slipping.
- Glazing: A glazed or shiny appearance on the sides of it indicates that it’s been slipping against the pulleys. This is a sign that it’s worn out and likely to fail soon.
- Frequent Stalling: If the engine stalls often, especially during acceleration, it might be due to it being worn out.
- Unusual Vibrations: A damaged or misalignment can cause the machine to vibrate more than usual. Worn out spots create odd vibrations that you can feel the faster you go.
- Excessive Dust: A large amount of black dust inside the CVT cover is a sign of a bad belt and about to fail soon.
- Age and Mileage: Even if you don’t notice obvious signs of wear, if the belt is old or has seen many miles, it’ll be a good idea to replace it as a preventive measure. Belts don’t last as long as car CVT belts, they’re made to fail due to the excessive abuse they take.
- Odd RPMs: If you notice the engine’s RPM fluctuating more than usual without a corresponding change in the quad’s speed, the belt might be slipping.
Regular maintenance and periodic checks can prolong the life of the belt and ensure the safe operation. If you observe any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult the service manual or a local repair shop.
The Average Lifespan of Belts
The CVT belt in your quad can last 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on how you ride and where you ride.
If you get stuck a lot, ride hard, and overall abusive to your quad, the belt won’t last as long. I find that belts tend to wear out more when people get stuck and try to break free by giving too much gas. If you’re stuck, use a winch or another machine to break you free, or you run the risk of damaging your belt.
How To Extend Your Belt-Life
There are several things you can do to extend the life of your belt, below are a few suggestions.
- Avoid Fast Take-offs: Suddenly accelerating or taking off at high RPMs can cause it to slip and wear out faster. Easy acceleration is better for the belt’s longevity.
- Keep it Clean: Dirt, mud, and debris can get into the CVT housing and cause additional wear on the belt. After rides, especially in muddy or dusty conditions, it’s a good idea to inspect and clean the CVT housing and belt.
- Avoid Water: Riding in deep water can often allow water to enter the CVT housing. Water can cause it to slip, which will destroy it over time.
- Proper Break-In: New belts can benefit from a proper break-in period. This usually involves varied riding without pushing the machine too hard for the first 30–50 miles.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading your 4-wheeler can put extra strain on the belt, leading to premature wear. If you tow things, stay in low gear.
- Avoid Large Tires: Many guys buy large mud tires and don’t change a thing about the transmission. Large tires can burn through the belts a lot faster, so stay in low gear if you must have overly large tires.
- Use Manufacturer’s Belts: When it’s time to replace your belt, opt for quality brands and avoid cheap alternatives. It’s best to stick with the manufacturer’s own belt, unless you changed the machine to warrant a different belt. Not using the correct one can void the warranty.
Make Sure To Carry An Extra Belt
The best advice I can give you if you own an quad or side by side is to carry an extra belt with you (ad). Some manufacturers even have places for extra belts hidden in the CVT or storage compartments.
You need to keep the belt dry, clean, and easy to get to. I suggest getting a belt storage bag like this one here (ad).
If your belt snaps, the quad won’t move and will need to be towed back. Having an extra belt and the few tools to replace it are a must if you do any kind of riding.
It Won’t Shift?!
If your 4-wheeler doesn’t shift into drive, park, reverse, or any other gears, then it’s not always related to the CVT.
The most common reason for not shifting is because the shift linkage is damaged or broken.
The shift linkage connects the shift lever to the transmission. If this linkage is bent, damaged, or misaligned, it can cause difficulty in shifting or prevent shifting altogether.
It could also be possible that mud or a stick is jammed and keeping you from shifting.
You also have electrical switches and sensors to know what gear you’re in, and may not allow you to move or put you in limp home mode if it’s not correct. These switches and sensors wear out and can keep you from shifting or moving.
Do All ATVs Have CVTs?
Not every ATV will have a CVT transmission, it’s mostly on automatics.
You do have a few automatics without a CVT, but they’re not as common.
Manual transmissions won’t have a CVT because you shift the gears.
The video below shows you how a CVT transmission works.
Let’s Sum Up It
Navigating the world of ATV maintenance can be complex, but understanding how CVT belts work is important for any owner.
The belt, acting as the middle-man between the engine’s power and your vehicle’s movement, commands respect and care. Recognizing the signs of wear or damage and acting quickly can make the difference between a short-lived model and one that offers years of exhilarating experiences.
Armed with the knowledge from this guide, riders can make informed decisions, ensuring their ATV remains in peak condition, ready to tackle any adventure that is ahead. Whether you ride trails, dunes, or muddy tracks, the health of your CVT belt is central to your machine’s performance. Regularly inspect, maintain, and when necessary, replace this vital component to guarantee a safe and smooth ride every time.